As a part of the All-Star experience, the Philadelphia Phillies and Major League Baseball will host the annual HBCU Swingman Classic ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game.
Former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop and 2008 World Series champion Jimmy Rollins has been named one of the managers for this exhibition ballgame. He will be joined by former big league second baseman and HBCU alum, Rickie Weeks.
This will be the fourth year of this event, started by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr.
Kicking off All-Star week, this event aims to highlight players from historically black colleges and universities from around the United States of America. The exhibition matchup is scheduled for 7:00 pm, Friday, July 10th at Citizens Bank Park.
“This is a chance to reach back to the kids” said Rollins on MLB Network. He continued by saying “I was influenced by Black players prior to me. Giving these players an opportunity to shine on the big stage and being able to be a part of that, I was not going to say no.”
The game will be broadcasted on MLB Network, with Dave Sims (the play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees) and Harold Reynolds (former MLB player and MLB Network analyst) on the call.
Emily Haydel will contribute to the broadcast as well. Haydel is the granddaughter of MLB legend and Hall of Famer, Henry “Hank” Aaron.
“We are extremely excited to bring aboard a Philadelphia legend in Jimmy Rollins and one of the best HBCU players of all time in Rickie Weeks as managers for this year’s Swingman Classic” said MLB’s Senior Vice President of Baseball Development, Del Matthews.
Matthews mentioned that “The careers of both Jimmy and Rickie speak for themselves, and we are confident that they will provide a unique and beneficial experience to the players on our Swingman rosters. With two longtime big leaguers leading the way, the fourth annual Swingman classic is certain to be a can’t-miss event.”
Weeks, a former Milwaukee Brewer, is stoked to be included as well.
“I’m privileged. [Southern University] was one of those places where you grew up,” said Weeks. “Coming back and getting a chance to manage a team [with players from] the team that gave me a chance to play college baseball, what more can you ask for than that?”
The HBCU Swingman Classic will also feature special pregame activities dedicated to honor and celebrate HBCU culture. Specifics related to the festivities will be released closer to the event.
